"When I said don't call me I was obviously joking but… I also didn't mean to call me the next day."Jayce was standing in the doorway of the mansion yet again after being greeted by the Ferros' butler, Watson once more.
"Sorry about the mess that brute made Watson. You got it all cleaned?"Watson chuckled, albeit very shortly as Vi was still in the doorway of the living room staring daggers at Jayce and he did not want to be caught in the crossfire of their fight.
"Of course Sir Jayce! Nothing I couldn't handle. Oh, but do come in. It's quite a chilly day is it not?"Jayce shrugged his shoulders as he stepped in, taking off his coat and putting it on the rack himself."Nothing too bad. You can stop staring at me now Vi it was a joke. Don't get your pan-nevermind. How's Camille and the boy?"He asked as Vi rolled her eyes."I unno' about Ezreal but you can ask Camille hearself."
"Hmm? Oh me? I'm doing quite fine Jayce, thank you for asking. I'm glad you arrived quite quickly. Wouldn't want you to be late."Jayce nodded his head as he took a seat in the middle of the long table, kicking his feet onto the table as he leaned himself back slightly. Watson brought him a cup of coffee as he smiled sincerely."Thanks Watson."He then peered at Camille."So. What's the problem now?"
"She won't tell us. And we've been here for an hour now. I guess she's waiting on our little heroes."the Sheriff spoke, continuing, as usual, her endless work, no doubt having more after recent events. Jayce sighed, taking a drink of his coffee before smirking."Though I didn't think you were one for jokes Camille, or well, jokes outside of social needs. Did those three running around you lighten up your mood? You barely spoke to us before all of this, much less even smile or joke."Caitlyn chuckled, for once taking her eyes off the papers as she eyed Camille."Giopara is speaking some truth. At least you're in high spirits…. And getting out of trouble that I can't fabricate something for."Camille let out a hearty laugh as she shook her head.
"Now now don't gang up on me now. But…. truthfully, having young ones-or well, young ones and a short little Yordle run around you in high spirits does brighten your mood. Makes the world feel less bleak, you know? I'm gonna miss them when it's eventually time to say goodbye. Even the little thief, Ezreal. I can't help but thing there's so much more in store for them. Besides, they remind me of my dear Sera-"Watson pulled the door behind Camille open, revealing Yasuo, Poppy, and Ezreal dropping to the floor as Jayce bursted into laughter."It seems your high spirits are spreading! Even Watson is joking around.''Watson chuckled as Yasuo and Poppy instantaneously pointed to Ezreal.
"It was his idea."The best friends said in unison as he looked at them in horror."What!? You guys betrayed me!"
"I have no idea what you're talking about.." Poppy lied, whistling as Camille gaze narrowed on Ezreal."I knew I shouldn't have complimented you, thief."
"Aww. But didn't you say you were going to miss-"Camille's blue eyes flared orange as if she was about to engage in combat as Ezreal blinked forward in a seat, smiling."A-anyways! What's for breakfast! Or lunch, I don't know what time it is."Ezreal decided to not shoot himself in the head by finishing his sentence and quickly changed the subject as Yasuo and Poppy picked themselves up, finding their own two seats near Ezreal as Poppy eagerly awaited the news of what they'll be eating.
"Ah! A simple salmon dish shall suffice for you all, yes? Fresh fish just came in so I didn't wanna miss the opportunity. But for the special occasion today I shall be making some lovely Demacian Roasted Rap-Oop. Sorry Lady Camille, slip of tongue. A rookie mistake." Watson chuckled and escorted himself out as Caitlyn raised a brow with a smile."Special occasion? What do you have planned, Camille? A party?"
Camille chuckled."Betrayed by my own butler. Fine. He's right… a party. I want to throw a party. We defeated Urgot.. Or well, thwarted him and defended the vaults. I feel like a celebration is in store, yes? Besides… our heroes of Holdrum are departing soon, yes?"
"Oh? And where to?"Jayce asked, eyeing Poppy and Yasuo as Yasuo turned to Poppy."Well I'm just following her. I'm curious too though Poppy… where too?"
"Oh! I gotta visit my blacksmith to fix my buckler."Yasuo nodded his head."Yeah…. But where? Oh thank you." Yasuo thanked Watson as he set down his plate of grilled salmon for Yasuo and Poppy quickly dug into hers.
"Oh. Uhh.. I think it's called Ixtal now?"
"IXTAL!?"Camille screamed before quickly composing herself."Ixtal huh? How will you even manage to get into the jungle let alone through it? Caitlyn, how many times has Piltover tried to enter that jungle?"
"Hmm… over 50 times?"
"And how many times have they successfully entered?"
"... Zero. Their elemental magic is in simplest terms.. Insane. They are virtually unbeatable on their own grounds."
"Really? Last time I just walked in." Poppy bluntly said as Jayce laughed."Well probably because of what you are. Oh, and you don't have gigantic robots accompanying you with threats of deforestation. But how exactly is Yasuo going to get in?"
"Dunno."Poppy said after promptly downing the plate that was just placed in front of her. Yasuo sighed and chuckled.``Yeah… this is gonna be a problem. Guess we'll find out. Need to find a mage or something who could guise me."
"Sparrow."Yasuo spurted out shortly after before shaking his head with a small smile."Oops. Was thinking out loud again. Anyways, yeah, we'll find a way in. Can't let Poppy go do some reckless stuff in there anyways, especially considering how long it has been since she's been in that kingdom. No doubt she'll mess something up."Yasuo chuckled as Poppy furrowed her brows and pouted."No I won't! I'm not a child y'know! I'm older than you dammit! Oops. Sorry for cursing."Jayce bursted into laughter along with Vi who just walked into the room."Cursing is out of your character Poppy."
"No it is not! I'm definitely the curser. I cursed all the time with Orlon!"
"You're not. But it is cute-I mean. You're not." Camille cleared her throat and stared at Poppy awkwardly.
"Ahem. Anyways. I need the young ones to go out and do something for me. You included Vi."Vi raised a brow as Ezreal groaned."Most of us already had our fair share of near death experiences. Vi can take our spots though."Ezreal wasted no time in making Vi take any of his work as Yasuo and Poppy silently agreed and went along with him.
"Wha!? No no, considering Cam over here just got a surgery and you almost died from mana exhaustion I think not. Cait tell em'!"Cait looked up from her slightly smaller pile of busywork as a small grin formed on her face."Eh. Exercise is good for you Vi."The room bursted into laughter as Vi pouted and slouched down with Jayce patting her on the back."Hey. I know how betrayal feels no worries."Vi sighed deeply as Camille quickly stifled her laughter and went back to her small smile as she eyed the younger crowd."I just wanted you to go out and get a few things, that's all. If anything, it should be the least dangerous task you'll be given. Plus with Vi I doubt any trouble will arise."
Yasuo nodded his head slowly."Hmm. You do make a good point. What's the job anyways?"He asked Camille as Ezreal held a finger up and Poppy idly waited."Do note we have not legally binded ourselves yet."Ezreal joked as Camille rolled her eyes.
"Food and supplies. Throwing a party."
"FOOD!?"Poppy screamed as Yasuo shook his head and laughed."Of course that'd set her off."
"Sounds simple enough. Guess the reward is some delicious food, yeah?" Ezreal asked as Camille nodded and got up from her chair.``You'll be right in your assessment, Lightfeather. It'll just be us and a few guests. Nothing more. Thought we'll at least celebrate for what we accomplished. Besides, if the estate looks populated then that'll keep my name out of the rest of people in Bluewind Court for a least a little while. Keep trying to drop by unannounced..."Camille offered a small smile as Jayce scoffed."Of course Camille finds a way to gain something from this. Well, you youngsters heard the madam."Yasuo got out of his seat and stretched his limbs out as he looked to Poppy and then Ezreal."Well. Guess we got a job then. Guess we should get going to fill the endless void known as Poppy's stomach pretty quickly."Poppy beamed a smile as Ezreal nodded his head begrudgingly."Fine… you coming' too Vi."Vi slouched and nodded."Right… where's the shopping list then?" Camille finalized the list she was writing and got up, handing it to Yasuo.
"Wait, why did you like, instantly handed it to him. He was even the furthest from you."Poppy nodded."Yeah! What's up with that?"She giggled and turn to Vi."I'm not actually mad I just wanted to pick on him."Yasuo rolled his eyes with a smile as Camille sighed."This. Exactly this. Make sure they don't get in trouble Yasuo."He nodded as he beckoned for them to follow and led them out of the estate.''Let's get it going this… 'Heisen's Apple Pie' won't get itself. Whatever that is.."Yasuo swung the door open and the rest of the crew of youngsters followed suit as they made their way into the bustling heart of Piltover.
"And here you go! Five famous Heimerdinger Pies ordered by the madam!" Yasuo grabbed the freshly baked pies and slouched down, quickly throwing the pies into the portal, something they decided to do to save themselves the trouble."There we go. Pies acquired now let's g-"Ezreal was cut off by the questioning worker.
"Hey… where did those pies go?"Ezreal turned as the baker looked at them inquisitively and Vi wasted no time running out and the others quickly followed and the bustling crowd allowed them to blend in easily.
"I told you this might get us in trouble!"Poppy, completely out of character, was berating them on using her Yordle magic as Vi frowned.``Come on Pops.. besides, even though you can carry everything effortlessly it'll look out of character for a cute lil' Demcian girl surrounded by a Piltover Enforcer, Poncho wearing Ionian, and Lymere's troublesome kid.``Ezreal grumbled as Poppy frowned."Mm… alright… we just can't do it right in from of them! Stop being completely lazy!"She continued to press on them nonetheless as they nodded
"Yes ma'am..."The group said in unison as Poppy smiled and they continue to make their way down the street, dodging through clusters of crowds that stopped abruptly in the street much to the disdain of most as Poppy pointed forward, up the conveyor as she pulled on Yasuo's hair."Onward mighty steed!"Yasuo rolled his eyes but a smile stayed on his face as they followed Vi up the conveyor built as some eyes darted to them. Ezreal peaked around as he leaned in a bit.
"Huh.. do we stand out that much?"Ezreal paused for a minute as they all gave him a deadpan stare as he nodded.``Yeah. Dumb question."The conveyor belt stopped at the top and brought them back into the wonderful sight to behold: the Ecplitic Vault… under repairs actually being virtually completely destroyed. As they walked inwards more they could see heads turning to see the indestructible vault being… not so indestructible after all.
"How long is that uh… vault of yours gonna take to rebuild?" Yasuo asked Vi as the Piltover Enforcer rubbed her chin."Mm… couple of years probably. Especially since… since SHE will meddle in. Damn crazy bitch.."Vi angrily cursed as everyone quietly walked before Vi laughed."Oh well! Comes with the job! Where's Bluewind again rich boy?" Ezreal grumbled."Down the street and to the right. Take another conveyor belt up, walk down the street again and Camille's place takes up half a damn lot."The rest laughed.
"So, suppose you didn't find the hero here Poppers?" Poppy shook her head with a frown."No… but I have not given up on the search! I know the hero is out there someone-Oooh! Hotdogs stand over there! Can I get one! Please!"She was pulling on Yasuo's hair as he winced and quickly pulled out some cash."Yes yes! Now go!" She grabbed his entire coin purse and scrambled off of him and to the stand as they watched from afar.
"... She's the hero isn't she?"Vi bluntly stated as Yasuo nodded his head and to the surprise of both of them, Ezreal gave no reaction."Thought so."He said."Anyone would've gotten that though to be fair after hearing the story she told: She's the hero Orlon was talking about. Now that it's all but confirmed.. Why do you follow her Yasuo? Isn't it kinda pointless, why don't you tell her?"Ezreal gave him a glance as Yasuo simply smiled, watching Poppy eagerly await for her hotdogs."I.. I have no home anyways. And going on this journey with her taught me valuable things. I just want to be there when she herself finds out she's the hero. Plus, Poppy is the adventurous type. This is good for her anyhow." Ezreal paused for a moment and then he said the most surprising thing in awhile:
"Hm. Then I want to see that too." Ezreal smirked as Yasuo and Vi turned to him with shock as he laughed."What? It's about time I settle down! Besides, every traveling group needs a smart and good looking explorer." Ezreal presented himself and flexed as Vi laughed. Yasuo smiled as Poppy came racing back with two hotdogs, two extremely big hotdogs, for each of her hands as the middle-aged hotdog vendor waved goodbye to her with a big smile.
"What'cha guys talking about?" She said, stuffing the first hotdog into her mouth as Yasuo looked at her, bending down to pick up the other hotdog and biting out of it." Ezreal said he wants to join us. What'ya say Poppy? You're the shot caller." Yasuo asked after swallowing part of the hotdog, which Vi eagerly took from him and bit into herself. Poppy furrowed her brows at the exchange of her hotdog but finally said with a smile,"Sure! More friends is always nice! You coming too Vi?"Vi peaked at her arm which had the Piltover Enforcer symbol embroiled into the fabric as she unfortunately sighed and shook her head."Wish I could Poppers but Caitlyn needs me. Too many bad people runnin' around. Like this one, no good blue-haired girl…"Her voice trailed off. Everyone wanted to ask what was her relationship with this 'Jinx' girl but the unanimously thought perhaps that was best left unanswered for now.
"Hell yeah! Thanks for having me guys! This celebratory party got a lot better now! Let's get back before the old people get too mad at us now. In fact…"Ezreal started shaking his arm around before the sound of his gauntlet 'popping' could be heard as sparks of yellow magic began flying around them and soon enough..
"We're here!" Ezreal teleported them in front of the manor as they all fell on the ground, he looked down at them and chuckled."Oh right. Forgot not everyone knows how to stick the landing. Don't worry Poppy and Yasuo you two will learn eventua-"The sound of things being thrown can be heard and soon after yelling followed.
"YOU DAMN IDIOT! I TOLD YOU TO WAIT FOR MY GO BEFORE YOU DO SOMETHING!"
"OH BOOHOO I DIDN'T CHECK UP WITH YOU ONCE AND YOU LOSE YOUR SHIT!"
"OF COURSE I LOSE MY SHIT YOU DAMN IDIOT! THE ONE TIME I TOOK MY EYES OFF OF YOU YOU WERE MESSING UP SHIT IN ZAUN!"
"MESSING?! I WAS HELPING THEM DAMMIT! INSPIRING THEM!"
"OHHH RIGHT, 'THE GLORIOUS EVOLUTIONNN' HOW COULD I POSSIBLY FORGET? OH WAIT I CAN'T BECAUSE YOU MENTION IT EVERY DAMN SECOND!"
"WELL EXCUSE ME FOR BEING PASSIONATE!"
"Uhh… seems like the party started? Let's go i-"The front door slammed open and Camille threw out two people: Jayce, the man they all know and love, and a mysterious new face-well, masked face clad in metal and assortment of appendable parts on his character, including an arm attached to his back. Looking further, there was another new face: A young girl with long pink hair who Camille was pretty much shielding from the two she threw out as she sighed."Idiots. I'll let you back in with the food's ready. Make up by then. Sorry you had to see that Sera." Camille finally turned her attention to the arriving group as she frowned."Oh. You're back. Hello to the rest of you."Ezreal groaned as Sera pulled herself from Camille's embrace as Sera walked in front of them with a big smile. Ezreal eyed her but then his eyes widened."Wait! Are you Seraphine?" She nodded and sung a soft melody as Ezreal laughed."Holy shit! You're popular as hell! The entirety of Piltover and Zaun knows you essentially ``Why are you here, no offense of course."
She laughed and pointed to this house."Oh! I live here! I'm Camille's adopted daughter." Ezreal laughed loudly."Ok that was a good one liner. Bit out there too. You're a singer, yeah? So maybe ca-"Ezreal noticed no one else was even remotely laughing, aside from Yasuo and Poppy stifling laughs as his smile faded.
"Wait. You're serious?"Seraphine nodded as Ezreal looked at Camille."But… Camille is so…"Camille's gaze didn't break off of Ezreal as he laughed."Nevermind! Well… nice to meet you! You're super popular. Everyone knows you here I'd imagine."
"Thank you! Same can be said to you! You're the talk of town it seems. All of you!"Ezeal's smile quickly changed to a much more confused one."Wait uhh.. What?"
"It's all in the paper!"Seraphine pulled out a paper from her jacket pocket as Camille sighed,"Listen they wouldn't leave me alone so I had to give them a news piece..."
Ezreal cleared his voice,"Camille from the Farros Clan reported to thwart an attack from Urgot with her unknown assailants featuring Lymere's prodigy, Ezreal, along with an Ionian Swordsman and Demacian Girl!" Ezreal looked down to see a sneakily taken picture of them in the restaurant they stopped at with Yasuo staring directly at the person with daggers.``Oh so that person was a mage? Was wondering what the flash was. Light magic huh? Poppy told me she knows someone who can do Light magic."Ezreal eyed him and shook his head."No you idi-"He was going to insult him before realizing: As an Ionian, technology is virtually foreign to Yasuo for the most part aside from the more practical and nature-friendly kind.
"Nah. It's a Hex-Camera 1.0. Some people call it Hexcam, Camera, whatever. You get the point. But essentially they're powered by hextech and can take a picture, instantaneously, in that moment and give you, in simplest terms, a painting right then and there."All the while Ezreal was explaining to Yasuo and technically Poppy, who has hooked as well Jayce and Viktor were still bickering and exchanging curses albeit less quietly now.
"Well it's nice to meet you all! Thanks for helping out there. I try with my music though.. That can only do so much."
"So much indeed. You're naive. But you'll learn.' 'Camille commented as Seraphine slightly frowned before her eyes fell onto Poppy and her expression soon reverted back to its smile."But still… a real Yordle! That's so cool!"Poppy laughed nervously and looked around before eyeing Yasuo."Hahaha? You mean this man here? Pretty tall Yordle dontcha think? Me, I'm just a uhh… small Demcian girl. Yeah.''Poppy horribly lied as she slowly went Behind Yasuo as Camille chuckled."No need to lie Poppy. I told Seraphine already. Don't worry, she won't go blurting it out. Right Sera?''Seraphine nodded her head and Camille smiled."Good. I'll go check in with preparations and all that. Make sure Caitlyn didn't start drinking early as well.''Camille disappeared back into the manor as the group's eyes finally went back to Jayce and Viktor once more.
"Idiot. Now I can't have Watson's food. Do you know how long it's been since I had it?"Viktor weakly berated Jayce as the man pulled off his additional appendage and removed his mask, revealing a, obviously, middle aged man with streaks of grey in his jet black hair, slightly scarred face from constantly wearing his mask, and sharp yellow eyes, in a similar fashion to Camille.
"At least you finally took of that dumb mask."Jayce retorted as Viktor wacked him with his additional arm as Jayce winced."Ow! Asshole!"
"You deserve it. You started all this!" Jayce was rubbing his arm which was whacked with Viktor's robotic arm."Doesn't mean you go whacking people with your robo arms!"
"Time to mend this old married couple's relationship now.."Ezreal muttered as Viktor turned to him."We're not married to Lymere's boy! Like I'd marry this no good man.."Jayce rolled his eyes as Seraphine laughed and sat down on the steps of the manor, with the group following after, with Poppy taking her usual spot on Yasuo's shoulders and head.
"So.. what's been going on with you two?"Yasuo spoke before Ezreal can and the inventor's eyes went onto him instantly as if waiting for someone to finally ask and Viktor sighed."Jayce. Go on and tell them about how you're acting like you're my parent or something!"Viktor wasted no time as Jayce rolled his eyes once more."Oh shut up. Sorry for saving your ass uhh, let's see, everyday?"Viktor shook his head."You're not! I have things under control with my own factory and business! I don't need you watching over me all the time!"Jayce, for once, seemed taken aback and slightly offended as he grumbled."Sorry."
The youngsters eyes were definitely locked on the adult drama as Viktor quickly noticed Jayce's change of mood and frowned slightly."... sorry as well. I… sometimes act reckless so I can understand your worry. I know you're looking out for me so… Thank you. I got things under control ok? Especially when you're running the upper branch and have my back anyhow."Jayce's expression soon changed to a sincere smile as Viktor smiled as well.
"Just… try to keep the automation not too much ok? Don't forget what you are."Viktor seemed like he was instantly going to retaliate but instead simply nodded."Right."His smile didn't fade away and in the moment Camille snapped a photograph whilst standing in the doorway with Caitlyn who was smirking."Best couple in Piltover right here."And right after they both shot up.
"We're not a couple!"They yelled in unison as everyone chuckled and soon enough a man of short stature, blonde hair with a puffy white mustache came barging out,"Your fine good sir, Watson,has finished his dish Lady Camil-Oh my! Is that you Poppy?"Poppy turned and instantly gasped,"Heimerdinger!? Is that you?! I haven't seen you in like.. 100 years!"Poppy jumped off Yasuo's head to him wincing as she embraced Heimerdinger,"Ah yes. It seems you've gotten yourself into quite a mess since last I've met Poppy. How's Demacia?"Poppy smiled,"Good! Or well.. Good last time I was there. I've been traveling for a while with Yasuo now. Oh! And Ezreal too, he's joining us!"Camille, Jayce, and Caitlyn all made audible comments as Heimer eyed Ezreal."Ahhh.. Lymere's boy isn't it? Good to see you've been well."Ezreal nodded."Thanks, Professor Heimerdinger."Now they were really shocked.
"Did you just speak to someone older than you with respect? Why don't you do that to me if you're capable, graverobber?"Camille commented as Ezreal laughed."Unlike you guys Professor Heimerdinger has earned my respect. I know what he does, Lymere's told me about his feats. Like the Tridyminiumobulator for example!"Heimerdinger nodded his head with a smile."Ahh yes, Tridyminiumobulator, one of my finest works. Well! Do come inside! Let's chat at the table shall we friends? Seems like the couple has made up too! Good indeed I say!"Before Viktor and Jayce could interject once more Heimerdinger was already walking away along with everyone else who was following suit.
The house was surprisingly accented with partying festivities as Camille along with Heimerdinger led everyone past the dining room.
"Oh yeah. Completely forgot this place isn't just the upstairs bedroom and dining room. Where are we going?"Camille led them down the hallway which went past the main stairs as she motioned forward.``The courtyard. They have prepared it as an outside dining room. Watson, Amelia, and others have prepared it nicely."
"And there's alcoholic beverages for those of age to get inebriated off of!"Heimerdinger proclaimed as Poppy cheered."Yay!"Everyone sorta turned their gazes to Poppy as Yasuo chuckled."What? I can't drink? I'm older than almost all of you!"Caitlyn chuckled."She has a point. Though I take it Ezreal and Seraphine aren't drinking."
Ezreal scoffed as Seraphine nodded her head."Couple of years off for me.."Seraphine commented as Ezreal sighed."1 more for me."
Yasuo continued to laugh."No worries. Poppy here will drink a whole tankard in your place Ez."Poppy pulled on Yasuo's hair a bit as he winced."Stop making it seem like I'm an alcoholic! It was only one time!"
"Wait that happened?"Viktor injerected as everyone bursted into laughter as they finally made their way into the courtyard which had an open view of the becoming night sky. It also took no time for the smell of many wonderful dishes began to fill the nostrils of everyone as Watson bowed slightly to them and smiled."Good to see you all. The table is already set so whenever you fine gentlemen and ladies ready you can begin."He began to walk away before turning around again."Oh. And we'll get some more tankards out for Lady Poppy."The group began to burst into laughter once more as Watson winked with a smirk at Poppy before scurrying away, seemingly to the basement as Poppy climbed off Yasuo and took a nearby seat quietly.
Yasuo chuckling died down as he joined her, petting her on the head slightly and taking his seat with everyone following suit. Ezreal joined his new group in terms of seat placement as Camille and Seraphine sat together, Caitlyn and Vi took their respective spokes, and finally Jayce and Viktor settled down with Heimerdinger.
"Oh right. The pies Poppy, did you manage to get them?" Caitlyn asked and to the keen eye she seemed to be practically drooling just thinking of them as Poppy nodded."Yup!"Poppy wasted no time and held her hand out and a portal ripped open and quite literally, pies began dropping out of the portal onto the table, some perfectly intact, some completely mangled, some… magically enhanced and some half eaten. Ezreal, Yasuo, and Vi turned away as the rest of them eyed Poppy."I… it was the easiest mode of transportation ok!?"While the others were too busy inspecting the assortment of varied pies, Caitlyn got up, took a whole pie, brought it back to her seat, and sat down with a small smile as Heimerdinger eyed it before laughing."Wait a second… are those MY pies?"Heimerdinger leaned a bit forward as Camille nodded.
"Oh right. I completely forgot about that. Those are from your bakery aren't they Heimer?''The trio, and now Vi, audibly questioned Camille's statement as she peered at Yasuo before realizing."Oh yeah. Heisen's Apple Pie is actually Heimerdinger's Apple Pie. He's a baker as well.''Heimerdinger cheered triumphantly and nodded.
"Indeed I am! Baking is just like science in a way y'know! To think you guys stopped by! Though it does make sense, Jack did say a weird group stopped by, ordered lots of pies, the pies disappeared, and then they ran away! Was quite the story."Camille's deadpan look turned into furrowed brows."Idiots. Why did you use your magic Poppy? You would have jeopardized your life. Watch her properly next time Yasuo."Yasuo was surprised but he couldn't even protest back, despite thinking he wanted to. Camille's stern voice and reprimanding simply made him zip his mouth shut as he nodded his head along with the others, Poppy the most who seemed like she regretted what she did.
Jayce saw this and sighed, eyeing Camille and motioning towards Poppy."Look at what you did Camille. Made the lil' Yordle sad. Say sorry."Camille turned her head to Jayce briefly, then to Poppy as her expression softly but she quickly shook her head."No. What Poppy did was wrong, though I know the others, like the Thief, encouraged her, she should've denied it."Caitlyn paused in her gouging on the pie to eye Camille."Come on Camille, be a bit more nicer, hmm?"Caitlyn prodded with Vi agreeing with a nod.
"I gotta agree with Jayce, say sorry Camille."Viktor interjected.
"They're right, Lady Camille, perhaps a sorry is in order."Heads turned to Viktor who was rolling a tankard to the table as Camille shook her head profusely.
"No means no! I'm not doing it!"
"That isn't very nice mom."Seraphine said with a sadden tone as the room went silent with Camille's eyes briefly faded with color before returning."Sorry Poppy."She finally said as everyone cheered with a smile returning to the Yordle's face as Camille stopped clutching her chest and angrily eyed everyone."Bastards! You conspired against me? Were you on this Sera?" Camille turned to her 'daughter' as Seraphine shook her head."No. I just thought you were being too mean."Seraphine said with a teasing smile as Camille sighed and leaned back in her chair a bit."Perhaps."Watson smiled.
"Good. Glad that's all cleared up!"Watson popped firecrackers into the air as suddenly other workers began playing instruments as Watson waved his hand."You guys should start feasting now! Have a good time!"Caitlyn's eyes widened as not only was she eating the pie by herself, but she also started on drinking her Freljordian Beer and Demacian Roasted Raptors as everyone laughed with her face turning red, or at least,more red considering her drunken state.
Viktor cheered out as he turned his head to the leaving Watson."You're amazing as usual Watson! All of you! Cheers to you guys!"Viktor raised his glass of beer up before downing some of it as Jayce followed after.
"Bottoms up then Poppy."Yasuo held his glass up and Poppy joined, toasting each other before they begin to down the beer as well, with Poppy finishing considerably faster as she laughed, her face already becoming flustered as Ezreal raised a brow."Does uh.. Does alcohol normally work that quickly? I wouldn't know. Obviously." Yasuo chuckled and shook her head." For how much Poppy loves alcohol it definitely doesn't work that fast. Think she gets drunk way easier 'cause she's a Yordle."
"At least she CAN get drunk.. Well, drunk for a reasonable amount of money. Do you know how many beers it takes for me to even get tipsy?"The Machine Herald sighed as he began to chug some of his own beer as Jayce angrily glared at him."And then you usually put it all on my tab! How can you even do that!? How do you have my bank information!?"Viktor promptly ignored Jayce's questioning and continued to drink as the others at the table laughed. Heimerdinger began to eat his pie as a smile was placed upon his face."Indeed! Pie #3796 is a wondrous success!"Seraphine raised a brow and finally spoke.
"You.. remember each pie Mister Heimerdinger?"Seraphine asked as Heimerdinger nodded." But of course! Any baker would!" Seraphine opened her mouth to retort but promptly shut it after briefly thinking, smiling to herself instead.
"What about the meat?"Poppy asked, realizing through a mouthful as Camille raised a brow before chuckling.
"Oh. I forgot. I didn't think you guys would manage to gather everything and assumed you'll lose things, so I had some in advance. Plus it kept you guys out for awhile."Ezreal yelled."What!? The shop owner almost killed me cause I was hustling him to lower the price!"Vi, Poppy, and Yasuo laughed as Camille shrugged."Oh well. You deserve it."Ezreal murmured something under his breath as Vi turned to Ezreal.
"So Ez, ya still planning on traveling with Poppy and Yasuo?" Vi asked, munching down on her second plate as Watson came by and placed another fresh plate of food down for her.
Attention turned to Ezreal as Camille raised a brow."Oh? Finally decided to stop graverobbing Ezreal and do something worthwhile?" Ezreal rolled his eyes as Seraphine cheered."That's so cool! The mighty band of heroes traveling across the world!"Seraphine giggled as Ezreal turned his head, blushing from the genuine compliments. Yasuo turned to Poppy to see her chowing down food and drinking like it was her job as he laughed."Yeah… heroes."
"Does Lymere know about this one boy?"Jayce, to the surprise of… well, everyone, sounded genuinely concerned as Ezreal shook his head.
"No. I'll run it by him tomorrow morning though. I'm sure he won't mind."
"What about your parents though?" Poppy asked quite possibly, the question everyone was avoiding. People slowly stopped munching on food and the music began to dip into a low tempo as Yasuo eyed Poppy whilst cringing for her.
Ezreal's simple smile faded into a rather saddened frown."They're uhh.. They're missing. Some say-or well, most say they're dead so… yeah. Lymere's pretty much my guardian I guess."Ezreal forced a chuckle as he eyed Poppy."Look at what'cha did Poppy, made the whole table go quie-"Poppy starting bawling as she jumped onto the table, ran to ezreal and tightly hugged him whilst clinging onto him whilst sobbing into his chest."I-I'm… I'm sorry Ezreal I didn't know!"She spoke between sobs as the awkward and tense atmosphere soon changed to a rather melancholic and happy one.
"He doesn't have to worry too much. I already have one kid and I can take another. I'm practically your mom already."Camille spoke as Ezreal turned his attention from the crying Yordle on him to the Steel Shadow as he raised a brow and laughed."Oh are you already drunk?"Everyone chuckled as Caitlyn nodded."Seems so, there's no way she-"
"No. I'm not drunk at all? I mean what I said. Before you tomorrow, I'll drop by Lymere with you and become your other guardian. Unless Jayce wants to. Besides, Having Lymere under Ferros name would help. You.. well, not so much but I can make do."Jayce laughed and looked at Camille."What? What makes you think I want to be his guardian? I barely like the boy as is."
"Wrong. You probably like him as much as I do."Jayce remained quiet for a moment before digging into his slice of pie."Imfinewithbeingtheuncle..."He murmured whilst eating as Caitlyn laughed."Guess I'll be the aunt, hmm?"She eyed Ezreal who throughout was covering his face as Poppy eyed him."Ezreal… you're completely red! Awww.." The drunken Yordle doted on him as everyone bursted into laughter once more.
"Thank… thank you guys. It uhh.. Means a lot y'know? I uh… don't have much family left so.. yeah"Ezreal awkwardly spoke while sniffling and holding back complete tears. Yasuo smiled."And hey, don't forget us: Consider us… adoptive friends. Oh wait, no that sounds bad. Just friends. Yeah. That works."He commented as Ezreal laughed, pulling his hands off his face to reveal he was indeed still beet red.
"But.. if you liked me so much why did you always give me a hard time?''Ezreal asked Camille who shook her head."Oh. You got it wrong. I have never liked you since I first heard about you, but after your heroic deed during the fight with Urgot that quickly changed. Now I love you like a mother."Camille quickly realized what she said and chuckled.``Aha. Guess I am getting drunk now..''She casually lied as Seraphine shook her head.''But you told me its super hard to get drunk unless you drink special k-"Camille covered Seraphine's mouth as she nervously chuckled.
"Love you too mom.''Ezreal smirked as Camille's face instantly changed to a scarlet red. She averted her gaze and uncovered Seraphine's mouth who was smiling.``Suppose I can get used to that.."
"I do say I quite like these turn of events! A beautiful display indeed!"Viktor jumped slightly when Heimerdinger spoke as he turned to him."You scared me! You've been so quiet, Heimer, I forgot you were here!"Viktor said as looking around Heimerdinger's spot, not only did he finish multiple plays but he downed multiple mugs as well.
"Ah yes, I've very good at social invisibility! A forte even."The scientist proudly spoke as Vi frowned a bit."Aw Heim that isn't… probably a good thing. Y'know what: Let's continue on in the night celebrating this party to Heimerdinger and his wonderful pies! To Heimer!"
"To Heimer!"The group cheered in unison, raising their glasses in the air as they continued to drink on into the night. Well, except for Seraphine and Ezreal.
"Wait. Isn't adopting a kid you met little over a week ago kinda weird? I mean, it's a lifelong commitment right? Wouldn't there be lots of critical thinking that goes into such a significant thing?"Poppy, completely out of character, interjected as everyone turned their gazes towards her. Even the Ferros staff stopped playing music and eyed her as she blankly stared before shrugging.
"Hey, what do I know?"She finally said before everyone cheered once more, the music resumed, and they began to drink away...
And they continued drinking.
And continued.
And continued.
"Guys… I really don't think we should be doing this."Ezreal was now, in a turn of drunken events, the voice of reason along with Seraphine who had Camille knocked out on her lap. Heimerdinger passed out drunk along with Caitlyn and Vi who were cutely cuddled in their spot… also because of alcohol.
"Ish… ok we.. We got one more person. Go on Poppers…"Jayce was one of the few who haven't passed out yet, and surprisingly outlast Camille, someone who has a high alcohol tolerance simply for her line of work.
Poppy slowly walked over to the scene of… well.. Destruction: the group decided in a drunken thought process to attempt to break Yasuo's sword: Something which is to be considered impossible due to what it is made out of and how it was made or so he proclaimed and boasted… drunkenly.. Ezreal stood near the sword, which was propped up by two metal hands grasping it tightly, made by the wonderful engineers and mechanics using.. Well, metal related things around them.
"Wait.. what exactly happens if the sword breaks, Mister Yasuo?"Seraphine worriedly asked, as if the gravity of the situation just hit her. The drunken swordsman laughed and shrugged his shoulders."I….. Don't know…."His voice trailed off as he tried to keep himself awake to watch his friend try herself at breaking his blade.
"Ok.. so we're at 6 failed attempts… Me, Sera, Camille, Jayce, Viktor, and Vi. Caitlyn opted out and Heimer.. Well he had already passed out. So far the person who did the most damage was… no one. We haven't even scratched it yet. Though the floor is completely cracked and destroyed so I guess props to that? Yeah. Anyways, the floor is yours Poppy."Poppy nodded and in an instant, began to swing her hammer around in the air, gaining momentum quickly as suddenly the gusts of wind began to get stronger. She ran up towards the blade and jumped up, smashing down on it and instantaneously it broke in half and exploded, sending Ezreal flying back towards the wall and flinging virtually everyone around in the room as windows shattered, tables split under pure pressure, and blade cuts where all across the walls as finally the chaos died out.
It's safe to say everyone was up, and their inebriated state was well subsiding. They began to gather their footing as Ezreal groaned, picking himself up after colliding with the stone wall a few feet from him.
"T-thank god I didn't break anything… I think."Ezreal felt up his own body with a sigh of relief. Poppy made her way back to the sword, which was broken in half.. Oddly enough despite what it did during its 'self destruction'.
"Watson is gonna be so angry at me…"Camille quietly spoke as she was focused on the damage Yasuo's blade has done rather than it.. Well, finally breaking. Seraphine patted Camille as she eyed the blade."Well… you did it Miss Poppy! Congratulations!"Everyone cheered half-assedly, and not intentional, but because between their drowsy state and being tossed around, everyone was tired.
Yasuo on the other hand, was completely frozen in shock and Caitlyn pointed it out promptly."Yasuo.. Is everything ok?"She asked as Yasuo slowly shook his head.
".. I'm dead. I… I didn't think you guys would be able to break the sword. It should've been virtually impossible due to the way it was forged…"Poppy looked at him, then the blade, then back at him."That's ok. We can just get it reforged."
"Yeah except… two things: Not only is he hard to find, the person who forged this blade, but the materials this blade is made out of, and the incantations used in the process of making it are hard to come by and some probably aren't around anymore…"His voice trailed off as he wondered in his drunken thoughts for a bit as Ezreal smirked.
"All good! You got the prodigal explorer on your side now! We'll find everything in a jiffy!"Yasuo broke his train of thoughts to turn to Ezreal, as did everyone else, before going back to thinking.
"Uh.. hello? Prodigal explorer, son of famous archaeologists, aced all my classes, Lymere's favorite person and now Camille's adopted son?"The Steel Shadow sighed as Viktor shook his head."Even I heard about how many times you narrowly avoid death.. Good luck with finding your stuff, Yasuo. Jayce and I are gonna crash upstairs if that's fine Camille."Camille slowly nodded her head, still asserting the damage as Viktor dragged Jayce along with him out of the… well, former courtyard."Well.. good thing it's the weekend! Let's go sleep, Cait."The Sheriff nodded her head as Vi, well, picked up bridal style and joined their friends in the upstairs part of Camille's estate. Heimerdinger looked around."Quite the mess indeed! I will help Watson repair efforts that do not fret Lady Camille."Camille let out a sigh of relief."Thank you Heimerdinger, less of an earful from him in that case. Well.. let's leave this for a morning thing. As for the gang with their new recruit, I'll let you sort out your business. You're sleeping in the same room just for reference. Come now Sera."Sera yawned and nodded, jumping onto Camille's back as she slowly dozed off, leaving the group sitting in their wake of destruction, pondering on what to do next.
"So… not only does Poppy have that broken buckler, which only way of being repaired is from someone in Ixtal, something neither Yasuo and now me can get into but we also have a broken sword which has extremely rare resources and an unorthodox way of being made. Plus the person who made it is also hard to find. Do I have it all correct?"Yasuo blankly nodded his head as Ezreal sighed.
"Hmm… all votes on going to Ionia and winging it along the way?"Poppy asked as Yasuo and Ezreal stared down at her for no more than a few moments before speaking in unison:
"Aye."
The front door swung open to a smirking Camille, a smiling Seraphine, a flustered Ezreal, and two smiling outsiders as Jayce called out."We're in here."The group walked into the living room of Camille's estate to Viktor and Jayce drinking coffee, and Caitlyn, unsurprisingly, back to filing papers as Vi leaned against her and simply watched.
"Heimerdinger's helping with repairs. Oh and Watson's smile never broke as we told him what happened. That man is scary Camille…"Jayce spoke in a hushed whisper as Camille nodded."Oh believe me, I agree."
"So we're not gonna talk about how completely embarrassing that was?"Ezreal said as Camille looked at him with a smile."Was me doting on you in front of the higher ups of Bluewind Court as Lymere watched not to your liking?"Sera, Yasuo, and Poppy laughed as Ezreal sighed."Urgh.. Whatever… good thing nothing crazy happened. Lymere seemed to like you and we're part of the Ferros Clan now. Doesn't that mean more drama for you?"Camille shrugged."Meh. Social politics is nothing I can't handle. Though it is annoying.."Ezreal nodded as silence began to overtake before he finally blurted out.
"Well.. before I-well, we leave, I do wanna say.. Sorry for how we met Jayce. I heard a lot about you and how you weren't as good a-"
Jayce held his hand up and shook his head."You're a good kid. Can't blame you. Oh, but here."He threw Ezreal a glass bottle with a ship in it as Ezreal raised a brow."What exactly is thi-"Yasuo took it from his hand."The shrinking ship thingy we got. Did you change something with it?"
"Yeah. Me, Heimer, and Viktor tweaked it a bit. Bigger, stronger sail, stronger mast, helm of the ship is sturdier, living quarters under. Vast improvements. You gotta sail to Ionia yeah? Gonna need it. Weird device though… hextech is in its design but who the hell made that? For all we know it could be Zindelo.. Nah, no way. Still, randomly in a small town outside the main part of Piltover? Interesting.."Jayce waved his hand in dismissal."Oh don't mind me. Continue."
"Thank you Mister Jayce and Viktor! And Heimer!"Poppy yelled out Heimerdinger's name a bit louder but of course he wouldn't be able to hear her over the sounds of construction coming from the outside dining hall.
"Well.. you guys have to go, hmm? Wouldn't want to hold you too long. Traveling on the sea during the day is better after all."Caitlyn spoke as Yasuo nodded."So we've found out. It's… been quite interesting meeting you all. We'll return back when we can."Vi got up and raced to Poppy, picking her up and hugging her tightly as Caitlyn smiled before shrugging, getting up as well and coming over to hug Vi and Poppy.
"I'm a sucker for group hugs."Yasuo commented as he joined in, then Ezrel and Jayce laughed."Oh why not."He said, walking over to join along with Viktor, then Seraphine and Camille eyed them before a smile formed on her face."But of course."She said, finishing it off as they broke apart.
"Ezreal Ferros.. Don't slander the Ferros name, ok? Or you'll be grounded forever. And believe me: I'm not as lenient as Lymere."Ezreal laughed and nodded his head.
"Yeah yeah… well, goodbye then sis. Too soon? Soon enough? Too late?"Ezreal was gauging a reaction as Seraphine laughed."Bye big brother. Travel safe ok?"She laughed as Ezreal smiled. Poppy took this as her queue and climbed up Yasuo to assume her usual position as the group made their way to the front, waving goodbyes to everyone once more before leaving on their next adventure.
"Was it… just me, or does it feel like those three are… special? Like heroes in a story. I got a slight feeling they're gonna stir up quite some trouble across Runeterra. Get themselves into things bigger than them."Jayce commented as Camille watched them leave the estate through the front window."Guess it's our job to hold down the station here while they do so."
"You've changed quite a bit Camille. Smiling a lot more.. Less… scary." Viktor spoke as she laughed."Guess having a kid or two changes you."She petted Seraphine who smiled as Jayce chuckled."Perhaps so. Still can't believe you didn't tell us about Sera here though."Sera giggled as Camille smirked." Can't reveal all your cards. Besides, she was out somewhere for a bit."
"Hmm… it's spreading. The Ruination.``Caitlyn read off a newspaper as Camille's smile quickly faded.``So I've heard. Hushed tones travel quite far. Demacia, Noxus, and Ionia were briefly attacked, right? Then… What was his name? He's acting. This time for real.. And I doubt he plans to stop."
"Viego. Not much known except from what was unearthed and found. King of a lost nation, came to the Blessed Isles. Stuff happened. All jumbled up. There's one thing for certain though: He's a monster and is pursuing his selfish desires… and I doubt Runeterra is ready to unite under one banner to stop him. We're broken and scattered.. "Jayce quietly spoke as Camille nodded."It seems like we're going to meet our certain end… but I don't know. Something about those three… I feel like there might just be some hope for our broken world."Her smile began to return to her as she made her way to the kitchen to make herself a cup of tea." And hey, if anything, it'll at least be an interesting story."
A/N: It's been awhile. A lot has happened, and while I won't make excuses for lack of updates I do wanna say I'll try from this point forward to update monthly at the latest. This chapter was a bit longer than usual because I wanted to begin the next "arc" which will be way longer than this one was. Events went by quite fast in this "arc" and began to slow down as the story's structure began to form completely.
Also, as you may have noticed, lots of story changes so I want to say again: This is an alternative universe(Obviously) Some characters' personality traits are dialed up, and some back down. Some Villainous characters may just become more good and vice versa. Just want to clarify that. Plus, imagining Camille with an adoptive son and daughter was too good to pass up. I'm a lighthearted kind of guy after all.
Anyways, hope you enjoy it, and sorry for the long wait. See you guys next time.